Original publication: 2009 | HSE Research Report | RR753
Source authors: Rick Houlihan, Mick Mole and Paul Lemon (HSL)
About this research
Investigates how powders and other dry contaminants alter friction, and explores appropriate procedures for testing floor and footwear performance under dry contamination.
How the research was conducted
HSL applied experimental pendulum tests to different floor finishes contaminated with materials such as flour, salt and sand, and used ramp-based footwear tests to investigate comparable conditions.
Main findings and significance
The findings demonstrate that dry contamination can create significant slip hazards and that standard tests designed primarily for water or other liquids require care when adapted to particulate contamination.
Interpretation and limitations
The work explored developing procedures, not a universally standardised dry-contamination method for every material.
Original source and further reading
Download the HSE report (PDF, 30 pages)
Official HSE research-report catalogue (701–800)
Original HSE publication, preserved without alteration. Crown copyright; see the original report for its copyright and reuse terms. Neospire’s summary is separate from the original research.